The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior officers, with fresh appointments and redeployments across key commands and operational formations in the country.
The restructuring includes the appointment of Major-General IA Ajose as the new Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
Ajose takes over from Major-General AE Abubakar, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) as Dean of the Faculty of Operational Research.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed the changes in a statement on Wednesday.
According to Anele, the redeployments and appointments were approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and reposition the Army to respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Under the new postings, Major-General AM Alechenu has been moved from the Defence Headquarters Garrison to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
Similarly, Major-General RT Utsaha has been appointed Commander of the Defence Headquarters Garrison after his redeployment from the Department of Army Standards and Evaluation.
Major-General AM Umar has also been redeployed from the Department of Civil-Military Affairs at the Army Headquarters to the Army War College, Nigeria, where he will serve as Commandant.
He replaces Major-General UM Alkali, who has been moved to the Department of Civil-Military Affairs.
In another major appointment, Major-General GS Muhammed has been redeployed from the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director-General.Major-General JE Osifo, formerly with the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation, has been appointed Chairman of the Military Pensions Board.
Also, Major-General IE Ekpenyong has been posted to the Defence Headquarters, Department of Defence Logistics, as Director of Engineering Services.
At the brigade and divisional levels, Brigadier-General AA Bello has been redeployed from the 6 Division Garrison and Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, to the Defence Headquarters, Department of Defence Operations.
Brigadier-General MS Adamu has been appointed Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade after his redeployment from the Nigerian Army Women Command.
Similarly, Brigadier-General MS Sule has been moved from the Special Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, to command the 27 Task Force Brigade.Brigadier-General I Sule has been redeployed from the Directorate of Recruitment Management to become Commander of the 6 Division Garrison.
Brigadier-General E Azenda has also been appointed Commander of the 2 Division Garrison after his redeployment from the Land Forces Simulation Centre.
The former Commander of the 2 Division Garrison, Brigadier-General AS Bugaje, has been posted to the Land Forces Simulation Centre as Director of Administration.
Colonel Anele said the Chief of Army Staff charged all newly appointed and redeployed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism and operational innovation.
She said Lieutenant-General Shaibu also urged the officers to remain committed to the constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to the Army spokesperson, the COAS further directed the officers to demonstrate unwavering commitment to duty and continue supporting civil authorities in efforts to maintain peace and security across the country.
Anele added that the new leadership structure is expected to improve operational outcomes, strengthen joint and inter-agency collaboration, and enhance the Nigerian Army’s capacity to tackle emerging and contemporary security threats.
